A new survey reports that nearly three out of four U.S. workers are stressed due to financial concerns and that nearly half (45 percent) report that their financial stress impedes their productivity at work. The survey also indicates that many workers would like to have financial counseling available through their employers.

Workplace Options (WPO), a provider of work-life benefits, sponsored the survey of 749 workers. WPO notes that workers who are stressed over finances have a harder time doing their jobs properly and more apt to experience burn-out and reduced morale.

It also reported that employee calls to its "WPO Advantage Financial Assist" help desk have increased 41 percent from first quarter 2007 to first quarter 2008.

"This increase echoes the survey results that employees are more and more stressed over financial concerns," Dean Debnam, chief executive officer of WPO, said in a press release. "More than half of the workers polled feel it's important for companies to offer financial consulting services for their employees, yet only about a quarter of their employers currently offer these services."

Set and write down specific goals to identify what they need to do in order to achieve stability

Compare monthly earnings to monthly spending habits and establish a spending plan that will save more money;

Reduce debt by living more moderately, quitting a vice (i.e., smoking), or taking a second job

Educate themselves by understanding their finances and being aware of the resources available to help get them on the right financial path

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